In the span of less than two years, Roberto Luongo has gone from starting in net for the Vancouver Canucks in Game 7 of the 2011 Stanley Cup Finals to serving as Cory Schneider’s backup.

Such a radical change might be tough for a lot of people, but Luongo is handling it with plenty of class.

Roberto Luongo has started one game this season. (AP Photo)

“Of course, but I’ve put my ego aside here and I’m trying to work hard and do my best and be ready,” Luongo told the Vancouver newspaper The Province. “We all know, and it goes without saying, that both Cory and I want to play. We’re competitors but I’m not going to put myself ahead of the team.”

Luongo has been the subject of persistent trade rumors all offseason. General manager Mike Gillis hinted last week that he has a deal on the table, but he has yet to pull the trigger.

Luongo has a no-trade clause, but would waive it for the right deal. For now, the veteran goaltender wants to focus on the season at hand.

“I don’t really want to be bothered on a day-to-day basis with that stuff and I’ve pretty much given (Gillis) the green light to do whatever,” Luongo told The Province.

Schneider has started four of the Canucks’ first five games this season, including Sunday’s game against the San Jose Sharks.